Posted on July - 19 - 2011
Eight years that have brought a new confidence and prosperity
MATT JOHNSON is chief executive of Mando Group
WRITING this column for the Liverpool Daily Post has been a privilege.
Such has been the case since 2003, when the Daily Post’s business editor asked me to provide words to appear in LDP Business every week. With only a handful of absences ever since, around 500 words worth of views, ideas, observations and comment have duly appeared under my smiling picture byline each Wednesday.
It’s been a terrific opportunity to share ideas and stimulate thought among LDP Business readers in print and online.
A lot has changed in our political, cultural and business landscape since 2003.
Facebook and TwitterŠ did not exist.
For the first half of that year, the idea of Liverpool being European Capital of Culture in 2008 was a dream – later realised and delivered as a resounding success.
Regeneration of the waterfront and swathes of the city centre was set out in ambitious drawings and computer- generated images.
Now we can walk along new streets formed with new buildings reflecting a new confidence and a new prosperity on our streets.
The new look and feel of the city centre may have its critics but few can deny Liverpool City Centre 2011 is a much improved location, brimming with appeal for ever-increasing numbers of visitors from all over the world.
Liverpool’s timing was spot on.
The drive toŠ complete so many regeneration projects – especially those funded by the private sector – in time for 2008 was well judged. Any later, and these projects would have been hit by the recession and public sector cuts.
Much has been achieved and there’s still plenty more to come, including Peel’s ambitious plans for Wirral and Liverpool Waters, further investment in Liverpool John Lennon Airport, the recent launch of Jaguar Land Rover’s Liverpool-built Evoque, a new Everyman Theatre,Š and further developments at the brilliantly successful Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool.
Today, though, it’s time to sign off.
So thank you all for sharing my weekly thoughts and observations.
It has, as I said in line one today, been a privilege to be part of the Daily Post team.
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